Takes Options To Lease An Additional Five Airliners

Air Lease Corporation has placed six new 737 MAX 8s with CFM Leap-1B engines on long-term lease to LOT Polish Airlines.  In addition to the six firm lease placements, the agreement includes the option to lease five new 737 MAX 8s, to be confirmed by early 2017.  All eleven aircraft are from ALC’s order book with Boeing.

Delivery of the first two firmly-contracted aircraft will begin in the fourth quarter of 2017, the next two in 2018, one in 2019, and the sixth aircraft will deliver in or before the first quarter of 2020.  The optioned aircraft are expected to deliver in 2019 and 2020.

“We are very pleased to announce these 737 MAX 8 lease placements with LOT, a transaction that again demonstrates ALC's strong airline market presence in Europe,” said Steven Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation.  “The new technologies in the MAX 8 aircraft will bring an increased level of efficiency and passenger comfort to LOT that will greatly enhance the airline’s competitive capabilities.”

“LOT is Poland’s national flag carrier with more than 85 years in operation, and we at ALC are pleased with being selected by the airline to modernize its fleet and help develop its expanding network of connections.  We are looking forward to a strong relationship with the LOT team as they execute their growth strategy,” said Alex Khatibi, Air Lease Corporation’s Executive Vice President.

The new 737 MAX 8 aircraft will be used by LOT to increase frequencies and add new destinations on LOT's extensive European and Eurasian route network.

“The addition of these new aircraft to our fleet represents a significant step toward achieving sustainable viability as we gradually grow, simplify and standardize our target fleet and launch new flights. Specifically, Boeing’s 737-8 MAX 8 offers advancements in both technology and passenger experience critical for enhanced reliability and customer service,” said Rafal Milczarski, CEO of LOT Polish Airlines.

(Image provided with Air Lease Corp. news release)

FMI: www.airleasecorp.com